Page 42 - High Power Laser Handbook

14 G a s , C h e m i c a l , a n d F r e e - E l e c t r o n L a s e r s Carbon Dioxide Lasers 15

speed. If the finished kerf needs to be painted after cutting, the
oxidation layer must be removed in a secondary process.
3. Fusion cutting uses a nonreactive assist gas; thus, all the
energy comes from the laser itself. Mild steel, aluminum,
stainless steel, and most alloys can be cut with this process.
Because there is no oxidation layer, the workpiece can be
painted or welded without further processing.
4. High-speed cutting, also known as laser plasma cutting, is a
modified version of fusion cutting. A small pocket of vapor-
ized material forms within the kerf, enhancing absorption.
This process requires relatively high intensities, resulting in
poor cut quality when compared with fusion cutting.

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